Tonight was my much-awaited dinner with an ex-colleague, who was happy to treat us both to a heavily-discounted feast at one of her company’s outposts, conveniently walking distance away from my office and an exceptionally exhaustive, long work week. Walking out of my building onto a beautiful, mildly cool late afternoon, each step on the way there from the moment I left my desk was therapeutic it was almost a shame it ended so soon. We both got there at the appointed hour, and starting off with a Jane’s Got A Gun cocktail dramatically delivered under a glass dome and lifted to reveal a smoke-infused rum concoction – smoking cocktail, indeed – we felt the luxury of a weekend about to start and the hours went by like we had all the time in the world.

As nice as the experience was, after three world-class cocktails, potent servings of ceviche, medium-cooked rack of lamb, and truffle pasta later, I was stuffed and ready to call it a night.

A great dinner, in a great place, with great company was a terrific way to start this weekend full of possibilities.